Florence is a 1 x 3 kilometer city that contains more UNESCO-listed art per square meter than any place on earth. Michelangelo's David is here. The Uffizi Gallery is here. The Duomo took 140 years to build and remains one of the great architectural achievements in history. This guide covers the things to do in Florence that justify the trip - with real prices (the Accademia Gallery costs €20, the Duomo complex €20 for the combined pass) and the booking timeline that makes or breaks a Florence visit. Two months ahead for the Accademia is not conservative - it is the minimum.
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Book before you read further. Compare Florence tours and attraction tickets now - the Accademia Gallery (David) and Uffizi have limited timed entries and sell out weeks to months ahead during peak season.
Getting to Florence and Getting Around the City
Florence Santa Maria Novella (SMN) train station sits in the city center. Most visitors arrive by train from Rome (1.5 hours, €20-40 on Trenitalia), Venice (2 hours, €25-50), or Milan (2 hours, €30-60). Florence Airport (FLR) is small with limited connections.
| Transport | Cost | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train from Rome (high-speed) | €20-40 | 1.5 hours | Book in advance for best prices |
| Train from Venice | €25-50 | 2 hours | Multiple daily services |
| Train from Milan | €30-60 | 2 hours | Freccia high-speed recommended |
| Taxi from FLR airport | €25-30 | 20 min | Fixed rate to center |
| ATAF bus from FLR | €6 | 25 min | Volainbus to SMN station |
Florence's historic center is largely pedestrianized and walkable. The Duomo, Uffizi, Accademia, and Ponte Vecchio are all within 15 minutes on foot of each other. City buses cost €1.70 per ride (valid 90 minutes) or €5 for a day pass. You will rarely need them.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Florence?
April, May, and September offer the best combination of weather (18-25°C), manageable crowds, and hotel availability. The Uffizi and Accademia are still busy but not impossible. October is a strong alternative with good weather and lower prices.
July and August push temperatures to 32-35°C, the crowds at major museums become extreme, and hotel rates spike. November through February is the quietest period - cold (5-12°C) but with significantly shorter museum queues and lower prices.
Top Things to Do in Florence: What Earns Its Entry Price
Galleria dell Accademia: Michelangelo's David
Michelangelo's David stands 5.17 meters tall and was carved from a single block of marble between 1501-1504. Entry costs €20 (€22 at the door if available). Book at least 2 months ahead for spring and summer. The reservation fee is €4. Do not arrive without a timed ticket expecting to queue - the door queue is frequently closed.
The David is the main draw but the unfinished Prisoners series in the hall before it - marble figures emerging from blocks that Michelangelo never completed - are arguably more interesting for understanding the sculptor's process.
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi holds Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Primavera, Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, and one of the most important Renaissance collections in the world. Entry costs €25 (€28 walk-in when available, €16 after 4pm). Book at least 1 month ahead. Budget 3 hours minimum. The Botticelli rooms are on the second floor - go there first before fatigue sets in.
Florence Duomo Complex
The Duomo complex ticket costs €20 and covers the cathedral, the dome climb, Giotto's Campanile, the Baptistery, and the Museo dell'Opera. The dome climb is 463 steps with no elevator - the views over the terracotta rooftops from the lantern at the top are worth the effort. Book the dome climb timed entry separately from the main ticket at the official site.
Boboli Gardens and Palazzo Pitti
The Boboli Gardens sit behind the Palazzo Pitti and contain fountains, grottoes, and views over Florence. Entry to the gardens and Pitti palace collections costs €16-22 depending on which sections you include. A quieter alternative to the main museum circuit and worth 2-3 hours on a sunny afternoon.
The Medici Chapels
The Medici Chapels cost €17 and contain Michelangelo's tomb sculptures for Lorenzo and Giuliano de' Medici - considered by many art historians to be his finest work in funerary sculpture. Less visited than the Accademia and Uffizi and usually accessible without a reservation.
Where to Stay in Florence: Best Areas by Budget
- Duomo quarter (City Center): Best location for walking to everything. Hotels run €120-€280/night. Busy and slightly noisy but maximum convenience.
- Oltrarno (south of the Arno): More local feel, artisan workshops, Palazzo Pitti access. Quieter than the north bank. Hotels €100-€220/night.
- Santa Croce / San Lorenzo: Close to the Accademia and Central Market. Good budget and mid-range options. Hotels €80-€180/night.
- Fiesole (hill village, 8km): For a quiet stay with views over Florence. Requires bus into center. Hotels €90-€200/night with significantly different atmosphere.
How Much Does Florence Cost? A Real Daily Budget
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €30-€70/night | €100-€220/night | €250-€500+/night |
| Food | €20-€35/day | €40-€70/day | €100+/day |
| Transport | €5-€10/day | €10-€15/day | €20-€40/day |
| Attractions | €20-€40/day | €50-€80/day | €80-€120/day |
| Daily Total | ~€65-€120 | ~€180-€280 | €400-€700+ |
The aperitivo tradition in Florence is the best food deal in the city. Pay €10-€14 for a cocktail between 6-9pm and access a free buffet of pasta, risotto, bread, and snacks that functions as a full dinner for lighter eaters. Ask at your hotel or hostel which local bars do it - the tourist areas near the Duomo rarely do.
Practical Tips Before You Visit Florence
Book all major museums in advance: This is more critical in Florence than almost anywhere else. The Accademia, Uffizi, and Duomo dome climb all require timed entry. Walk-up availability exists but cannot be relied upon in spring or summer.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina: The city's signature dish is a T-bone steak grilled over oak coals and served rare. Priced by weight at €40-€60 per kilo, a shared bistecca for two with wine at a proper restaurant runs €60-€80 total. Worth doing once.
Dress code: Most Florentine churches including Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella require covered shoulders and knees. The Duomo enforces this strictly.
My Honest Take on Florence
Florence is one of the best cities in the world for art and architecture but it requires preparation to see it properly. Show up without booked tickets in May and you will be turned away from the Accademia and spend 90 minutes queuing for the Uffizi. Book 6-8 weeks ahead and the same city becomes completely accessible. That is the entire difference between a frustrating Florence trip and a memorable one.
